Durrheim, Kevin Locksley.Thabethe, Siyabonga Bruce.2016-11-182016-11-1820162016http://hdl.handle.net/10413/13740Master of Arts in Psychology. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 2016.The introduction of affirmative action policies in post-Apartheid South Africa resulted in rapid socio-economic mobility among previously disadvantage groups and consequently increased racial and ethnic diversity in areas that were predominantly reserved and occupied by whites during the apartheid era. Despite extensive measures which have been implemented to eradicate racial discrimination and encouraged integration, racial animosity and ethnic rivalry continues to proliferate in South Africa. Drawing on a rich dataset which comprised of 1812 black respondents, the present study examined the role that socio-economic status plays in structuring intergroup relations. We further investigated the social psychological outcomes of such contact. The results indicate that socio-economic status plays an important role in shaping black South Africans racial attitudes. Extending prior work on racial attitudes, the results demonstrate that positive contact effects tend to be weaker as the socio-economic status of the black population increases.en-ZAIntergroup relations.Social psychology.Social interaction.Blacks--South Africa--Social conditions.Blacks--South Africa--Economic conditions.Theses--Psychology.Socio-economic status.Thesis